One common telephone directory

The last telephone directory was issued in 2004, five years ago. Since then there have been many changes and much time (and money) is lost in finding the right number. Over the last months additional service providers have been introduced, which means that trying to find your way about has become very difficult. Partial directories have been issued for a particular company but these were distributed only to their clients.

I therefore appeal to the Malta Communications Authority to insist that a common and truly comprehensive directory be issued without further delay. Such a directory is normally self financing. At the same time, the service providers should be obliged to furnish all the relevant information free of charge as, ultimately, this is beneficial to all users. The MCA must not accept any excuses. The companies earn their income from the service and should not be allowed to trick callers into wrong numbers or to impose any charges or lame excuses for the provision of information to the public.

I also feel that the said directory should include cellular phone numbers as it seems that everyone uses this new technology, unless these have clearly been annotated as ex-directory. Such a move might reduce slightly the income of the service providers as people might not call directory enquires.

Those responsible for certain details should ensure that updated addresses, door numbers, postal codes etc. appear. The alphabetical listing can also be improved. Till now, the directory was drawn up as per the official or registered name of businesses etc. This is causing certain confusion. For example, The Hotel XYZ is normally listed under T or H but without any reference under X, which is usually the most obvious place to look. Let there be various entries but it is essential that the common name of the business be clearly itemised and listed.

Another culprit is the government. An official government directory should be issued every time there are major changes, such as a new Legislature. It is frustrating that with direct dialling one has to wait minutes to be connected. Also, fax numbers should be clearly annotated as it costs time and money to call a number and then hear the fax tone. This is probably a relic of the past when faxes were frowned upon but that situation does no longer exist.

Can the MCA kindly make an official declaration and take the necessary action without further delays?